The PPC Cave

Hosted by Gene Villanoz and Ryan Fenton

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Episodes

133

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Gene and Ryan co-host The PPC Cave discussing everything Google Ads for lead generation and e-commerce. We are Fiverr Pros with over $10 million budget managed between them, 10+ years of experience and having in-house/agency and freelancing experience, The PPC Cave is dedicated to sharing our extensive knowledge with you. The best Google Ads strategies, the latest techniques in the industry, bespoke solutions for our viewers and real results from our own clients. Tune in and subscribe to The PPC Cave today! 🔔👍❤️

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60 recent

August 17, 2026Episode 12617 min

Automated Bidding vs. Manual CPC: When to Make the Switch | EP 126

In Episode 126 Google's new smart bidding update is now live as Gene discusses the right time to make the switch. Timestamps 00:21 Intro — The August 17 Google Ads Update 03:10 So When Should We Actually Use Manual CPC? 04:10 Automated Bidding Needs Good Data 05:25 When Automated Bidding Usually Makes Sense 06:07 When I'd Consider Manual CPC 10:00 Manual CPC Can Be a Reset — Not the Destination 11:08 Don't Switch Because You Had Three Bad Days 11:56 Manual CPC Doesn't Fix a Bad Campaign 15:09 PPC Cave Checklist 15:55 Closing Takeaway Gene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

August 10, 2026Episode 12521 min

How to Decide if a Search Term Should Be Negative | EP 125

In Episode 125, Gene discusses understanding search intent in Google Ads...Timestamps05:08 Segment 1: Google's Job vs. Your Job 05:57 Segment 2: The Four Types of Search Intent 12:39 Segment 3: Walk Through the Real Search Terms 16:02 Segment 4: The Framework I Use 17:35 Segment 5: This Isn't Just Pest Control 18:55 Biggest Mistakes 19:49 Final TakeawayGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

August 3, 2026Episode 12418 min

How To Get More Google Ads Clients | EP 124

In Episode 124, Gene dives into tips on how to increase your Google Ads clients...Timestamps02:19 Show Expertise06:19 Retention 12:11 Give FreelyGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

July 27, 2026Episode 12332 min

Display Ads Are Changing Forever & Local Services Gets a New Home | EP 123

In Episode 123, Gene & Ryan reunite to discuss 2 quiet updates from Google Ads that'll impact every Google Ads advertiser in the next year...Timestamps08:24 Local Services Ads Are Moving Into Google Ads 17:47 Google Display Ads Become Demand Gen 27:42 Our ThoughtsGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

July 13, 2026Episode 12120 min

What If Your Client Won't Stop Changing Budgets? | EP 121

In Episode 121, Gene gives you advice on how to handle Client's that can't make up their mind on their Google Ads campaign budget.Timestamps05:06 Control the Variables You Can Control 06:28 Make Smaller Budget Adjustments 08:24 Know Which Campaign Actually Deserves More Budget 10:19 Build Strong Campaign Structure 12:28 Focus on Search Terms 13:22 Lean Into Ad Strength 15:49 Be Honest With Clients 17:07 Final ThoughtsGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

July 6, 2026Episode 12023 min

3 Red Flags of a Poor Agency / Google Ads Manager | EP 120

In Episode 120, Ryan dives into the 3 red flags to keep top of mind when it comes to working with an agency or Google Ads manager. Timestamps06:03 No Clear Structure / Strategy 10:49 Auto Apply Recommendations 14:53 Conversion Tracking A MessGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

June 29, 2026Episode 11915 min

Google's New Smart Bidding Rules Effective August 17 | EP 119

In Episode 119 dives into Google's announcement of one of the most important Smart Bidding changes we've seen in years.Timestamps06:53 Why This Matters For Target CPA Campaigns07:40 Why Target ROAS Advertisers Should Be Concerned Too08:48 The Campaigns Most At Risk10:31 Google's New Bid Target Adjustment Tool11:08 The Audit Every PPC Manager Should Run12:34 Key TakeawaysGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

June 22, 2026Episode 11820 min

Why I Rarely Start New Campaigns With Broad Match | EP 118

In Episode 118, Gene dives into the right and wrong times to be using broad match for your Google Ads campaign, and his experience with it recently.Timestamps02:44 Why Broad Match Has Become So Popular 03:34 The Mistake I See Most Often 05:14 Why I Prefer Starting With Phrase Match 09:14 Broad Match Is an Amplifier 12:04 When I WOULD Use Broad Match 13:33 My ApproachGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@ThePPCCaveTikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

June 15, 2026Episode 11728 min

10 Reasons Why Your Lead Gen Search Campaign Is Failing | EP 117

In Episode 117, Gene dives into 10 reasons on why your lead gen search campaign could be failing.Timestamps04:02 You're Targeting the Wrong Keywords 05:44 Your Search Terms Don't Match Your Service 07:36 Your Budget Is Too Small 13:02 Your Landing Page Is Weak 16:23 Your Offer Isn't Competitive 17:43 Your Conversion Tracking Is Broken 18:54 You're Making Changes Too Frequently 21:00 Your Ads Aren't Differentiated 22:13 Your Sales Process Is the Real Problem 24:02 You're Looking at the Wrong Metrics 26:11 Closing ThoughtsGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@ThePPCCaveTikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

June 8, 2026Episode 11621 min

The Secret To Google Ads Lead Gen Success | EP 116

In Episode 116, Ryan reveals the secret to having success with Google Ads lead gen!Timestamps03:25 We want to hear from you! 04:37 The Secret To Lead Gen Success 07:16 Google Ads Is The Hammer / Landing Pages Are The Wall / HouseGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube: youtube.com/@ThePPCCaveTikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave